FAQ: Landlords

How can I become a Section 8 landlord?

The process begins when a Section 8 participant contacts you. Advertising in places that Section 8 participants visit will help you lease your vacancies faster. You can call us at (503) 802-8333, option 5, to have your rental unit posted on our list of available properties. Landlords may also advertise their properties for free at www.oneapporegon.com.

How much rent can I charge?

You can request a current fair market rent from your tenant. Home Forward will then determine if the rent is reasonable based on our assessment of fair market rents. We also must determine if the rent is affordable for our Section 8 participant.

How much security deposit can I charge?

You may charge Section 8 participants the same security deposit that you would charge tenants who don’t have a Section 8 voucher.

What are the benefits of accepting Section 8?

Participating in the Section 8 program allows you to earn market-rate rents using your own lease and screening criteria, and also receive full rents when tenant hardships occur. Beyond the business benefits, you gain the satisfaction of providing a home for someone of limited means and helping them move forward in their lives.

What happens after I screen and approve a Section 8 tenant?

There are three steps. First, the tenant will bring you two forms to complete and sign. Second, we will inspect your unit. Finally, you will sign a 6- or 12-month lease with your tenant and a contract with Home Forward. For more details on the process, click here.

What happens if Home Forward determines that my rent is too high?

If the rent is affordable for your prospective tenant, you can send us three verifiable, comparable rents for us to review.

Which landlords participate in your program?

There are currently more than 2,600 landlords in Multnomah County who are renting to our Section 8 participants. They range from large property management firms to landlords who only have a single rental unit.